Flash Android 8.1.0 Oreo Factory Image for Google Pixel XL

The Android 8.1.0 Factory Image builds are now available for download for the Google Pixel XL devices.

Android 8.1.0 Oreo Factory Images can be used by advanced users that are looking to restore their devices to 100% stock firmware. Also, the tutorial is great for those that are looking to get rid of a bad custom ROM and they've run out of options when it comes to firmware installations.

The Android 8.1.0 OS upgrade comes with the following major changes: new Wallpaper-based themes for both light and dark ones, battery levels for connected Bluetooth devices, improved Power menu, redesigned Settings page, a new Oreo proper Easter Egg, Keep Wifi On During Sleep option has been removed, all apps will now be able to make a single Notification Alert per second, the "Apps Using Battery" Notification can now be dismissed, and more.

Check the following guidelines before starting the flashing process:

use this tutorial only for the Google Pixel XL smartphones.
- don't use the instructions for other different devices.

don't try to install the new update over a different Google Android device.

enable USB Debugging and OEM Unlock from Developer Options menu.
- if Developer Options is hidden you will need to enable this menu first: go to Settings> About Phone and tap seven times on the Build Number text.

the flashing process of Android 8.1.0 Factory Image will wipe everything from your Google Pixel XL phone.
- make sure to backup all the data files before starting the flashing process.

this tutorial has to be used by advanced users only.

we cannot be blamed in case you brick the phone nor in case you lose any data files in the process.

read the entire tutorial and do not skip any steps.

check battery charge levels, make sure that there is at least 50% charge left before the phone powers off.

Now that you know all of the above you are free to continue to the interesting part of the post.

How to install Android 8.1.0 Factory Image for Google Pixel XL:

You need to setup the Android ADB and Fastboot drivers first. This will allow you to connect the PC with the phone easily via usb cable for the factory image installation to complete smoothly.

First you will need to download the Platform-Tools zip file from the links below. Make sure to grab the file that matches your computer's OS:

Get back to Platform-Tools and launch the Flash-all.bat installer script if you are on Windows, or the Flash-all.sh if you're using Linux or Mac OS.

Confirm the Android 8.1.0 Factory Image installation, and don't press any buttons until the install is done.

When the flashing process is completed successfully you can reboot the phone in normal mode.

After the install is done you will have to unplug the phone from computer. Use your default login info in order to regain control over your phone once again.

These were the steps that you had to follow in order to complete the update process.

NOTE for advanced users:

If your Pixel XL is running a 100% stock Android 8.0.0 build number OPM1.171019.011, and Nov 2017 is set as date, then you can flash the factory image as an update, but you will have to modify the Flash-all script code. Open Flash-all.bat/ Flash-all.sh in Notepad and delete the "-W" characters. This will not trigger the wipe command and you can complete the update without losing any files.